Image 1 / 5
Robyn Miles / Daily News
Santa Claus makes his way down the street on top of a fire truck with Mrs. Claus at his side.
Santa Claus makes his way down the street on top of a fire truck with Mrs. Claus at his side.
Thousands of residents lined the streets, bundled up in blankets and extra clothing, while Christmas tunes poured out of the speakers from the WOAK mobile radio station at Lafayette Plaza. For newcomers, it was a night to see the downtown area in its finest with festive decorations and lights donning trees, gates, store front windows and around the fountain in Lafayette Square.
The parade theme was “It’s a Wonderful Life,” after the Frank Capra movie classic starring Jimmy Stewart, and each entry aimed to exemplify that theme. There were reindeer, trees and lots of angels getting their wings as bells were ringing.
Business owners Charles and Frances Solomon served as grand marshals.
A float contest was held before the start of the parade, and there were two winners from six categories.
“The judges had a hard task before them but they did a wonderful job,” said parade coordinator Kim Skiff.
There were more than 100 entries, ranging from trucks to floats to cars to horses and even camels.
Winners and categories are:
Industry - first place, McCarthy Building Companies; second place, Kia Sorento shop 1;
Small Industry - first place, Icon Restoration; second place, Troup Spirit Cheerleading;
Church - first place, Grace Baptist Church; second place, Baptist Tabernacle Church;
Civic - first place, American Cancer Society Relay for Life; second place, LaGrange Junior Woman’s Club;
First-time entries - first place, Berta Weathersbee Elementary School; second place, Dixie Youth 9-10 World Series Champions; and
School - first place, Mountville Elementary; second place, St. Mark’s Kindergarten.
— To purchase copies of photos, click on the ‘Get Framed’ icon on the top of the Daily News home page and follow the instructions.
Becky Holland can be reached at bholland@ lagrangenews.com and at (706)884-7311, ext. 229.
Dear Powers that be regarding entries into the Christmas parade. First I just want to say thank you for keeping me safe from the evils of the Budweiser Horses for another year. I just know that had I been exposed to those beautiful animals they would most certainly have driven me to the bottle. Now I feel compelled to ask that you do not allow any camels into next year’s parade. You see, when I saw those unique creatures last night it gave me an uncontrollable urge to go buy a pack of Camel cigarettes. So I humbly ask you to continue to protect me from being able to make decisions for myself when it comes to being influenced by advertising no matter how far a stretch of the imagination it may be.
Very truly yours,
ESMF